As everyone has said, Sothend are very friendly.
My first solo land away was Biggin Hill to Southend. Called up for joining instructions and was told 'Runway 24, right hand circuit, call downwind'. Read back correctly and continued onwards. Approching the airfield tower approach calls up 'confirm right hand circuits'. I confirm runway 24 right hand circuit. Just established downwind for 24 and call 'G-CD downwind 24'. ATC replies 'G-CD you can have a left hand circuit if you want. All you needed to do was ask!' I had just joined a left hand circuit instead of right!
Learnt from the mistake, had a good laugh with the ATC on the ground and will never do it again... hopefully